Mar 22, 2018   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Anixter Moves Flagship European Distribution Center to Lichfield, U.K.

Today, Anixter Inc. (NYSE: AXE) celebrated the opening of a new custom-built distribution facility in Lichfield, West Midlands, U.K., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and key exchange at 10:00 GMT. Despite having 180,000 less square feet than the old facility in Birmingham, U.K., the new Lichfield distribution center has 20 percent more cubic storage capacity as a result of the improved floor plan, more efficient design and the cube capacity gain from having racking that extends to 42 feet.

The Lichfield distribution center was designed to achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) “Very Good” rating and the best possible Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for its size. It utilizes a combination of skylights, motion-activated LED lighting, and rooftop solar installation that will generate 10 percent of its regulated energy. It also features built-to-suit spaces for product preparation and staging, including a camera testing and configuration room, value-added services area and contractor services area.

“At approximately 213,000 sq. ft., this new distribution hub will be Anixter’s largest distribution center in Europe, serving our markets in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe,” said Ross Brown, regional operations manager for Anixter in the U.K. “With additional storage capacity and new areas allocated for supply chain services, we will be able to get product into the shipping system and out to our customers much faster.”

According to Brown, Anixter is looking to implement pick-to-voice technology in the facility in 2019, which will further increase the efficiency of its warehouse associates, while enhancing safety and accuracy. With Bluetooth headsets and Android devices directing them to their next pick, employees will have their hands and eyes free, and be able to confirm vocally in their preferred language.

“Having a modern, efficient distribution center in Lichfield is critical to supporting Anixter’s operations in the region, not only in the U.K., but all throughout Europe,” said Orlando McGee, executive vice president of global operations for Anixter.

About Anixter

Anixter International is a leading global distributor of Network & Security Solutions, Electrical & Electronic Solutions and Utility Power Solutions. We help build, connect, power and protect valuable assets and critical infrastructures. From enterprise networks to industrial MRO supply to video surveillance applications to electric power distribution, we offer full-line solutions, and intelligence, that create reliable, resilient systems that sustain businesses and communities. Through our unmatched global distribution network along with our supply chain and technical expertise, we help lower the cost, risk and complexity of our customers’ supply chains.

Anixter adds value to the distribution process by providing our customers access to 1) innovative supply chain solutions, 2) over 600,000 products and over $1.0 billion in inventory, 3) over 300 warehouses/branch locations with approximately 9.0 million square feet of space and 4) locations in over 300 cities in approximately 50 countries. Founded in 1957 and headquartered near Chicago, Anixter trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AXE. For more information, visit www.anixter.com.